Page 94 of Awakening the Beast
His massive body crushes me, his weight overwhelming and suffocating. I struggle beneath him, fighting to push him off with the help of the person who came to my rescue. With sheer strength and desperation, we manage to shove his body aside, his big body flopping to the ground beside me. I sit up quickly, take a massive gulp of air, choking and coughing as I rub my throat, desperate to flood my lungs with oxygen.
During the turmoil, a gentle hand brushes the back of my hair. I lift my eyes, tears misting my sight, and find myself staring into my mom’s calm gaze. I leap into her arms, wrapping them tightly around her and she returns the hug. We stand together, my legs still shaking from all of the madness and murder. As soon as weseparate, her men start to enter, sweeping through to clear the mansion.
I lower my head, taking another deep breath to steady myself, everything finally starting to wear off and feel better.
“Where’s Lumi and Lily?” my mom asks.
“In the safe room,” I murmur, lifting my gaze to hers.
She nods with understanding but then a flicker ofworry crosses her face. “I can’t be here when Lily is let out.”
My brows knit together in confusion. “What do you mean?”
She gives me a reassuring smile, her hand stroking my hair. “I promise I’ll explain everything to her, but not like this,” she assures me. “I think it’s best if you come back with me. It’s not safe here without Arlo. Someone’s clearly up to their old tricks and wants to finish what they started.”
I stare at her, my mind racing and after a moment, I give a small, hesitant nod. “I agree. We both know who it is. What if she’s realized the key is missing?”
My mom’s gaze sharpens. “But we don’t have any concrete evidence that this is her doing or anything else for that matter.”
I let out a heavy sigh, facing aside, feeling the exhaustion settling in my bones. “I know, but there was something in that locker, mom—something that could change Arlo’s entire perception on his family and it’s far too important to ignore. And she knows it.”
Her hand finds my shoulder and she gives it a reassuring squeeze.
“What did you find?”
I shake my head once, responding with barely a whisper. “Not here. But tomorrow, I’m going to need your assistance with something.”
Her brows crease, but she doesn’t press any longer, instead, she issues quiet orders to her men. They swiftly begin clearing the house of the bodies, their movements careful but effortless. Once they’re done, she turns back to me.
“I’m heading home now,” she says, her tone firm. “There will be a car waiting outside to take you, Lumi, and Lily back home. The driver will make sure of your safety, and there will be others following to keep watch.”
I nod, my mind already racing through the next steps.
“Where’s Cree?” she asks curiously.
“He’s with Sara,” I mutter, feeling a pang of worry for him.
“I’ll make sure her home is under surveillance as well. We can’t take any risks,” she asserts with a sharp nod.
I stay quiet and she places a soft kiss on my forehead, her touch comforting.
“You did good, baby girl,” she says, the pride clear in her voice and a small smile tugs at my lips.
“Thanks, Mom.”
When we’re finally at my mom’s house, it’s now early morning and I’m lying in bed with Lumi safely beside me. I stare downat her while leaning on my elbow. She’s tucked just beneath me slightly, the duvet over her as she feeds from me, falling back to sleep. I sigh softly, sweeping my fingers through her hair as my mind plays over the dangers we were in and how it makes me feel. This needs to end, all of it. This can’t keep happening. Not now she’s here.
I reach up for my phone, scrolling through my missed calls from Arlo and finally, I hit call. I press the phone to my ear, feeling tired until finally I hear his angry voice.
“Why the fuck didn’t you call me?” he growls.
“Because you wouldn’t get here in time, baby.” I say softly, not wanting to annoy him further.
“I had to call your fucking mom, do you know how risky that is?”
I rub my tired eyes, “I’m sorry.” I murmur.
“Do you know who the fuck it was?” he asks, the fury clear in his tone.
